Care Maintenance

Countertops can be a large investment for a home. These duly functional and decorative units come in many different surface types. Check for proper care ideas specific to your countertops.

Countertops stand out in our kitchens, adding beauty and fuction. We want our countertops to look their best and be clean prep surfaces for our cooking needs. Find out some general rules for caring for countertops

Laminate

Laminate countertops are the most common countertop you're likely to find. Laminate countertops are made from layers of paper and plastic that are laminated together to form the countertop surface.

Cleaning Laminate Countertops

To clean laminate countertops use a clean cloth and a mild dish soap and water. Dry the countertop after washing to prevent water from pooling in the seams. Also be sure and completely rinse off any soap residue that may be on the surface.

Stained areas can be treated with a baking soda paste. Mix a 3:1 ratio of baking soda and water. Spread over the stain. Let sit for 3-5 minutes before wiping away. Don't scrub the countertop because, although it's a mild abrasive, the baking soda can damage the finish of the countertop.

WARNING: Prolonged exposure of the laminate surface to bleach will cause discoloration. Always rinse laminate surfaces after cleaning! Failure to rinse after cleaning can cause damage; even if a small amount of cleaning solution remains on the surface. A dry residue may be invisible; however, moisture from cups or drinks can reactivate it, and result in permanently etched scars or stains over time.

A Few Notes of Caution

Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage laminate surfaces; do not use them. Drain cleaners containing lye will permanently damage the laminate surface. If you spill a drain cleaner, wipe it up immediately and rinse several times with water.

Hair, textile and food dyes can cause permanent stains. If dye should happen to spill, wipe it up immediately with dishwashing detergent or an all-purpose cleaner.

Laminate Countertop Maintenance

No regular maintenance is usually required.

Acrylic Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are created by pouring resins crushed up pieces and acrylics into a mold. They are becoming increasingly popular in new home construction and remodeling. Sold under various brand names including CLG Himacs and Meganite, these countertops offer a nice option for strength and looks.

Cleaning Solid Surface Countertops

To clean solid surface countertops, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down. For more dirty or stained areas, try a mild dish soap and water. Towel dry the surface.

Shiny surface countertops can use a liquid mildly abrasive cleaner, while nonshiny (matte) finishes can use baking soda or another mild abrasive cleaner to remove tougher stains. If an abrasive cleaner is used, try to go over the whole surface in a circular motion to maintain uniformity.

Solid Surface Countertop Maintenance

No regular maintenance is required for solid surface countertops.

Really difficult stains, scratches, or spots may benefit from having us professionally renew your countertops by sanding them down. While this is not usually needed, it always an option.

Granite

Granite is a super tough stone that is formed from volcanic magma. Granite has earned a reputation as a great building stone. It ranges in color, but is known for how beautiful it is, expecially as a countertop.

Cleaning Granite Countertops

To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off countertop surfaces. Wipe down the granite countertops daily and as needed using water. Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Granite may require some maintenance. Typically most granites only need to be sealed initially with a high quality sealer that penetrates into the stone. We have a stone cleaner available that helps to clean and protect the stone, which can be used periodically. Stains on granite can be difficult to remove, but not impossible. Granite countertops can also crack.

Reseal the countertops when water splashed on the surface no longer beads up, or you notice other materials soaking into the stone. If there are stains or damage, contact a stone-care professional for repair.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are also known as "engineered stone". They have many of the same characteristics of granite, but are generally more maintenance free.

Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Quartz surfaces blend modern sophistication and timeless luxury with unbeatable strength and durability. The ever-lasting finish requires only simple and routine care to maintain its good looks. To clean quartz countertops, we recommend using warm water and a mild detergent or quality spray and wipe type cleaner in order to enjoy enduring beauty and unmatched performance for years to come.

It’s important to be aware that like any other surface, Quartz can be permanently damaged if exposed to strong chemicals and solvents that can damage its physical properties. Never clean your Quartz surface with products that contain Trichlorethane or Methylene chloride, such as paint removers or strippers.

Quartz Countertop Maintenance

Virtually maintenance-free, quartz’s hard, non-porous surfaces require no sealing to renew the luster and are simple to clean. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is enough to keep your Quartz countertop looking like new. If necessary, use a non-abrasive soft soap along with a non-scratch or delicate scrub pad. Afterwards, thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove residue.